Atlanta — April 4, 2000

Thomas K. Harden, dean of the College of Technology and interim dean of the College of Business at Eastern Michigan University, in Ypsilanti, today was named president of Clayton College & State University in Morrow, Ga., by University System of Georgia Chancellor Stephen R. Portch and the Board of Regents, effective June 1, 2000.

Harden has more than thirty years of experience in various leadership positions of increasing responsibility. He has served as the dean of Eastern Michigan University’s College of Technology since June 1993 and as dean of the College of Business since January 1999. In that dual assignment, he holds responsibility for budgets exceeding $15 million, over 5000 students, 137 full-time faculty, numerous staff and management of the five-building physical plant associated with the two colleges.

In his leadership role with the College of Technology at Eastern Michigan University, Harden has overseen the forging of partnerships with over 140 corporations and 45 government and school organizations. He also has orchestrated a comprehensive plan for the growth and improvement of the College, resulting in average enrollment increases of 4 percent annually. The College has earned recognition as a leader in the appropriate use of compressed video, on-line courses, off-campus programs, and the successful use of continuing education to increase outreach, improve access to academic programs, and increase enrollment.

Harden’s successes with the College of Business include leading the successful reaccredidation effort with the American Association of Colleges and Schools of Business, implementing a strategic planning process shaped by the Ernst & Young model, and improving faculty morale.

“Tom Harden was the unanimous first choice of all of the regents who served on the selection committee,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Stephen R. Portch. “The match between the needs of the Clayton State presidency, and his skills and experiences, is one of the best we’ve ever seen.”

Prior to joining Eastern Michigan University, Harden served as a professor and chairperson of the Department of Technology at Northern Kentucky University, in Highland Heights, a post he held from 1985-1993. During that period, he held simultaneous appointments at NKU, as acting dean of University College, from 1989-1990; and as associate dean of the College of Professional Studies, from 1988-89.

Other faculty posts held by Harden include: serving as an assistant professor in the Department of Technology at Southwest Texas State University, from 1982 to 1985; as an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Education and Technology at Western Illinois University, from 1981 to 1982; and as an instructor in the Department of Industrial Education at Miami University, from 1978 to 1981. In addition his career includes stints as both a junior-high school and high-school teacher and in the private sector.

Harden earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial education, in 1974, from Miami University of Ohio; and an MS in educational administration from the University of Dayton, in 1978. He earned his Ed.D. in adult/technical education, curriculum and instruction, and educational administration, from the University of Cincinnati, in 1981. In 1995, Harden earned a Certificate in College Management from Carnegie-Mellon University.

Prior to pursuing his undergraduate degree, Harden completed 832 hours of instruction in electronics, fluid power, and mechanics, via a two-year applied maintenance school operated by Armco Steel Corporation. He also completed Armco Steel’s four-year apprenticeship as a maintenance mechanic. Harden worked for Armco for five years.

Over the past 13 years, Harden has been involved in two major fund-raising campaigns. The most recent major initiative was the Campaign for Scholars at Eastern Michigan University, which surpassed its goal by raising over $17 million.

Harden and his wife, Cathy, have four children. One child is a college graduate and the remaining three children are currently pursuing undergraduate studies.

« News Releases